How to Plan a Solo Retreat

A complete how-to guide (and a personal update!)

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First, the Great News:

OK. So, an actual miracle just happened. Earlier this week, I shared that my daughter Emilie was scheduled for surgery to remove a rare, but thankfully benign, mass on her lung, which we discovered over the summer. Over the past few days, I’ve received notes, messages, and prayers from perfect strangers in places as far away as Mumbai, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, and Tokyo. I will messy cry if I talk about it too much, but please know that the kindness of this community has made me feel loved and supported during an incredibly challenging time in a way that I can’t quite put into words.

We took Emilie in for a pre-surgery CT scan intended to get clearer images that might help determine a plan for her upcoming surgery. When the medical team examined the results they discovered that the large mass on her lung was gone. Poof. The surgeon said he’s never seen anything like it. He’s officially canceled her surgery because there is no longer anything to remove. We are rejoicing. We are in shock.

Now that I won’t be spending the next few weeks curled up in a hospital room, my mind is running wild—Oh, how I want to fill up every waking second with celebrations and parties, podcast bookings, meetings, and new client projects. But my body is tired. My brain is tired. Starting with her hospitalization in May, this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced as a mother, and the weight of it lingers (my empathy to other parents confronting their children’s suffering has deepend immeasurably). I’m trying to give myself permission to rest.

Next Up: A Solo Retreat

Right after we learned that Emilie’s surgery was canceled, Jordan turned to me and said, "Hey, don’t immediately pack your schedule like you always do." Jordan is usually right (please don’t tell him I said that), so I followed his advice and immediately booked myself a two-day stay at my favorite resort - a one hour drive away in Calistoga. I’ve been there before for my annual solo business retreat, but never just to actually rest. Next week, I will swim in the mineral pools, read, write, daydream, and allow myself to fully decompress. I will try to fully exhale for the first time in months. I cannot wait. What a gift.

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How to Plan Your Own Solo Retreat

Whether you've been through something major, or just need to hit pause, taking time for yourself is everything. Here’s how to plan your own solo retreat—even if you can’t escape somewhere far away or for very long.

Set Your Intention

What do you need right now? Rest, inspiration, mental space? Whether it’s for pure relaxation or a creative reset, get clear on your goals before you start planning. Defining your purpose will guide the rest of your retreat and help you feel more fulfilled by the end.

Decide on the Length of Your Retreat

You don’t need long to reap the benefits of a solo getaway — a day or a weekend can work wonders! Choose a timeframe that works for your schedule, energy, and budget. If you only have a day, focus on rest and recharge. For longer retreats, you can dive deeper into activities like hiking, creative projects, or setting personal goals.

Pick Your Space

If you can get away, book a quiet spot—a local inn, Airbnb, boutique hotel, or resort. Think about the amenities you crave and the kind of environment that will help you fully recharge. I always look for a place with yoga classes, a pool, and really good food. I like to be walking distance to a town I can explore, but most people opt for more seclusion and access to nature.

Create a Flexible Schedule

While you don’t want to over-pack your itinerary, having a loose plan can help you make the most of your time. Maybe your mornings are for quiet activities like reading, journaling, and meditation, and afternoons are reserved for movement or creative projects. Keep it flexible, but having some structure will help you avoid feeling lost or like you wasted your time.

Unplug

No emails. No notifications. No scrolling. I’m talking to you (and me)! Give yourself permission to disconnect from all the noise and be fully present. Easier said than done, but so worth it. Bring the book you've been meaning to finish, or sign up for a yoga or meditation class—you get the idea. Consider a full tech detox: put your phone on airplane mode, limit screen time, and give your mind a real break from digital distractions. If the whole time feels like too much, map out specific pockets of unplugged time each day.

Plan Some Nourishment

Keep your activities simple and centered around whatever refuels you and makes you feel good. Maybe it’s knitting, reading, drawing, or long walks. Maybe it’s crossword puzzles (not for me, but people I love and respect can spend whole hours this way). Don’t forget about nourishing food—plan meals that feel easy and enjoyable, whether that’s ordering from your favorite healthy restaurant or packing some simple snacks for your getaway. Eating food that is both delicious and healthy should be part of the self-care experience.

Incorporate Movement

Moving your body, even gently, can help you reset. Whether it’s yoga, a nature walk, or light stretching, choose activities that help you feel connected to your body in a restorative way. It’s not about working out—it’s about feeling good.

Pack Intentionally

My retreat essentials include comfy clothes, cozy PJs, leggings and top for yoga, a swimsuit and cover-up, good books, a notebook and pen, and a few magazines. Think about what will support the kind of break you’re craving. Whether you’re headed somewhere or staying home, packing (or gathering) with intention sets the tone for a relaxing retreat.

Rest. Like, Really Rest

Sleep, nap, lounge—whatever you need. Rest can be productive, I promise! This is your chance to reset without feeling the need to check things off a list. Don’t underestimate the power of deep rest in helping you recharge.

Reflect on Your Experience

End your retreat with a reflection ritual. Journaling is a great way to process the experience and carry the benefits into your daily life. Ask yourself: How do I feel now compared to when I started? What would I do differently next time? What can I bring back home with me? Reflection helps solidify the rest you’ve given yourself and allows you to return to normal life with new clarity.

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Even if you can’t get away, carving out some intentional rest at home can be just as powerful. The key is creating boundaries, honoring your needs, and allowing yourself to fully recharge.

I’ll see you on the other side, feeling a whole lot more rested and renewed. Thanks again for all your support—I’m truly grateful.

Questions about how to plan your own solo retreat? Ask away in the comments—I’d love to help!

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